1. Differences

The difference between Indian and Mexica response to the American education system depends on how each group reacted to the system. For instance, the Indians responded in diverse ways to the American education system. Some of the Indians specifically the ones who were located in New Mexico resisted the education system which they referred to as the colonial education system. They engaged in boycotts by refusing to attend the mission schools. Besides, some of them ran away from the learning institutions and went as far as murdering the missionaries. Another group accepted the education system and the ways of the Spanish who administered the system to them. Willing Indians learned how to read and write. They also learned to speak and write the Spanish language. On the other hand, the Mexicans accepted the education system on the condition that they should not be forced to subscribe to Catholicism. Besides, they insisted that they should be taught how to read and read in English.

2. Similarities

One of the similarities between Indian and Mexican response to the American education system is the fact that they both refused to let the system absorb their culture and heritage. By protesting the education system and fighting the Spanish, the Indians in New Mexico ensured their culture remained intact. Similarly, the Mexicans maintained their protestant religion. Besides, there are few instances of ethnic Mexicans resisting enacting education policies that contradicted their culture and political ideologies. In such cases, they also protested the building of schools. Moreover, the Mexicans opposed the establishment of English only schools in the 1890s because they viewed the moved as one aimed at finishing Spanish. This led to the establishment of bilingual schools.